C.W. Goldring and Family
Four generations of the Goldring family have attended the University of Toronto. This deep relationship is reflected in the family’s commitment to U of T and their ongoing dedication to supporting higher education and student life.
Often called the father of Canada’s mutual fund industry, C. Warren Goldring (1927-2009) co-founded AGF Management Limited, and was also a noted philanthropist. Together with his wife Barbara (1931-2022), he was both an alumnus (BA UC 1949, Hon LLD 2003) and a generous supporter of the University, as well as a supporter of a number of other causes and institutions. The couple passed on this tradition to their five children, four of whom also attended U of T. Blake Goldring (BA VIC 1981) and Judy Goldring (BA VIC 1987), in particular, have become well known for their involvement as volunteers and donors at U of T.
To date, the Goldring family have contributed a total of more than $17.4 million to support key initiatives at the University. The family is best known for their donations in support of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport and Victoria University.
Their $11-million contribution to sports programming and facilities transformed athletics at the University. The Goldring Centre is a pillar of the far-reaching Varsity Centre renewal project and has filled a critical gap in Ontario’s high-performance sport infrastructure. At the same time, the facility is fostering synergies between sport science research and teaching, sport medicine, training and coaching athletes, and preparing for world-class competition.
Another flagship donation of $4 million helped create the Goldring Student Centre at Victoria University, which supported a purpose-built centre for students and student activity. Other donations to Vic include a $1-million gift from Blake to launch the Norman Jewison Stream for Imagination and the Arts in the Vic One program, named for the legendary Canadian director and 12th chancellor of Vic. The gift also established the Blake C. Goldring Professorship of the Arts and Society within the stream, currently held by Professor Albert Moritz.
In addition, U of T has benefited from the family’s visionary philanthropy through the establishment of the Goldring Chair in Canadian Studies that is held by U of T President Meric Gertler; the notable contribution by Blake Goldring to the restoration of the Soldiers’ Tower; and funding for a number of scholarships, professorships, awards and programs.
The Goldrings’ far-reaching guidance and leadership is another powerful support for the University. Warren Goldring was a dedicated volunteer at U of T, offering his financial expertise to support fundraising campaigns and alumni initiatives. Judy Goldring has also been extraordinarily generous, sharing her wealth of experience with Governing Council for nine years including three as its Chair. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, the University established the Judy Goldring Entrance Scholarship, awarded annually to a student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education who exemplifies all-around contributions to their studies, their communities and the University. The family’s volunteer contributions extend further still, with Blake having donated his time and talents as a member of the President’s International Alumni Council and the Boundless Campaign Executive.
The Goldring family have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to the community through their donations and their individual gifts of time and expertise. At U of T, they have ensured that we can honour the University’s history while creating a path toward the future.